This archive report was first published on 14 July 2021.
On July 14, 2021, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) published a tender notice for the supply and delivery of ballot papers, voter registers, and election result declaration forms for a three-year framework contract.
According to the notice, all tenders must be accompanied by a tender security in Kenyan currency or easily convertible currency equivalent to Sh20 million, valid for 210 days from the date of opening the tender.
IEBC will conduct the process under an open international tendering method using a standardized tender document.
However, the move has raised concerns among Kenyans, particularly given National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi's prediction that it would be impossible for IEBC to conduct a referendum before the 2022 General Election due to lack of ample time.
Junet Mohammed, co-chair of the Building Bridges Initiative secretariat, had earlier noted that they expect IEBC to be on standby for the planned plebiscite, saying, "If the Court of Appeal clears the Bill, IEBC has to prepare for a referendum. We don’t want to hear stories that they cannot conduct a referendum and a general election."
